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lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
I loved this retelling of the classic fairy-tale, I wasn't sure if I would as they've never appealed to me before but thank goodness I did read this.
Isabella is lonely, heartbroken over her Dad and has pretty much lost any say in her life. What little freedom she had disappears when she meets Javi, and her life becomes very difficult and confusing. I really liked both main characters, even though I shouldn't. However by writing from both POV's we get to see that Javi isn't the man either he OR Bella believe him to be.
Whilst this book contains some incredibly dark scenes and elements I didn't find it as hard to read as I did with, for example, parts of Reaper. Whether this was because the book felt slightly less 'real', if it was because of the way Bella responded to Javi emotionally or it was due to his internal conflict I'm not sure. What I do know is that the excellent writing of Ms Zavarelli made this a story that I couldn't put down, once I began to read it.
My word the plot twists and turns, the suspense, the lies, the secrets and the sorrow all mesh into one amazing read. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, pow, the story kicks of in another, completely unexpected, direction. The last few chapters held so many surprises, changes of direction and plot twists that my head almost span. However A. Zavarelli is such a talented author that despite all that was going off, it never confused me or left me having to re-read paragraphs to clarify what was happening.
Have tissues ready because despite hoping for that happy ever after, there are a lot of shocks along the way.
Isabella is lonely, heartbroken over her Dad and has pretty much lost any say in her life. What little freedom she had disappears when she meets Javi, and her life becomes very difficult and confusing. I really liked both main characters, even though I shouldn't. However by writing from both POV's we get to see that Javi isn't the man either he OR Bella believe him to be.
Whilst this book contains some incredibly dark scenes and elements I didn't find it as hard to read as I did with, for example, parts of Reaper. Whether this was because the book felt slightly less 'real', if it was because of the way Bella responded to Javi emotionally or it was due to his internal conflict I'm not sure. What I do know is that the excellent writing of Ms Zavarelli made this a story that I couldn't put down, once I began to read it.
My word the plot twists and turns, the suspense, the lies, the secrets and the sorrow all mesh into one amazing read. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, pow, the story kicks of in another, completely unexpected, direction. The last few chapters held so many surprises, changes of direction and plot twists that my head almost span. However A. Zavarelli is such a talented author that despite all that was going off, it never confused me or left me having to re-read paragraphs to clarify what was happening.
Have tissues ready because despite hoping for that happy ever after, there are a lot of shocks along the way.
laceyfrance's review against another edition
3.0
I love this author's work. Usually. This book and the one before it (Saint), not so much. I almost DNF'ed this one but I'm glad I didn't. I didn't feel connected to either main character. I'm still not sure what the "agency" is about and I'm not sure if it was explained but I just don't remember or if it just wasn't explained much. I don't even care.
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale. It's dark, and the good in beast is always found.
A. Zavarelli has taken this fairy tale, given it a few twists and made an incredibly dark and delicious story, never losing sight of the original. Javier is cruel and kind, abusive and loving. Bella is drawn to Javi, not knowing why but definitely caught in his web. Bella's journey to find the light in Javier is struggle, with love and heartache. So much suspense and so many emotions had me on the edge of my seat the entire listen.
The narration is superb. Tracy Marks has a way of performing that entrancing you as soon as the book starts. She is a master of both male and female voice characters and can nail any accent I have heard her do. She definitely is one of the best and completely brought this dark narration to light.
A. Zavarelli has taken this fairy tale, given it a few twists and made an incredibly dark and delicious story, never losing sight of the original. Javier is cruel and kind, abusive and loving. Bella is drawn to Javi, not knowing why but definitely caught in his web. Bella's journey to find the light in Javier is struggle, with love and heartache. So much suspense and so many emotions had me on the edge of my seat the entire listen.
The narration is superb. Tracy Marks has a way of performing that entrancing you as soon as the book starts. She is a master of both male and female voice characters and can nail any accent I have heard her do. She definitely is one of the best and completely brought this dark narration to light.
tj_darkreads's review against another edition
As I sit here trying to piece together what I just read in this book I think to myself this book has to be the most twisted, dark messed up book I've ever read and my friends that's the truth. If you can imagine we've all pretty much seen the movie Beauty and the Beast or perhaps even read the book well let me tell you this that this book gives a whole new meaning to the word twisted on a whole other level. Zavarelli has taken a child's story and turned it into a absolute amazing book from her own twisted mind and thoughts. There are so many emotions she puts you through you'll not know what happens next till you turn the page and just look at that cover that is one sexy cover that gets your attention to fool you to enter at your own risk, because your about to be taking on a wild ride and believe me this is not your normal fairytale this is sooo much more. I freaking loved this story I couldn't put it down the whole time I was reading it. I suggest you run don't walk to grab this book it's just so worth it. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
saraht445's review against another edition
1.0
Aah! Thank God this is over!
Serves me right, though, with my OCD.
I have a thing with books; I rarely leave them unfinished no matter how torturous they are to continue.
Jesus!
The author warned that this was "dark" and maybe I'm a such a messed up person that nothing fazes me anymore, or this book wasn't dark at all or at least not enough to merit a warning.
It also wasn't entertaining,
despite the praises of it from some of my book friends.
The heroine was sooooo boring! Her backstory and development and "conflict" were so fucking snore-worthy.
Jesus Christ. And she didn't wait for long to "fall in love" with her captor.
Um, girl, you do realized that this man kidnapped and is torturing you, right?
At least, wait a few chapters before ogling him and letting us know how "attracted" you are to him...
Both of the protagonists were so dull. Their motivations were seriously lacking as well as their chemistry.
Was gonna give it a one-star but the epilogue deserves a star.
That was nice "twist" at the end, lol, you almost got me feeling something for the heroine for a second...
Serves me right, though, with my OCD.
I have a thing with books; I rarely leave them unfinished no matter how torturous they are to continue.
Jesus!
The author warned that this was "dark" and maybe I'm a such a messed up person that nothing fazes me anymore, or this book wasn't dark at all or at least not enough to merit a warning.
It also wasn't entertaining,
despite the praises of it from some of my book friends.
The heroine was sooooo boring! Her backstory and development and "conflict" were so fucking snore-worthy.
Jesus Christ. And she didn't wait for long to "fall in love" with her captor.
Um, girl, you do realized that this man kidnapped and is torturing you, right?
At least, wait a few chapters before ogling him and letting us know how "attracted" you are to him...
Both of the protagonists were so dull. Their motivations were seriously lacking as well as their chemistry.
Was gonna give it a one-star but the epilogue deserves a star.
That was nice "twist" at the end, lol, you almost got me feeling something for the heroine for a second...
hellen__'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
brittanyreads07's review against another edition
5.0
Dark. Gritty. Twisted. Wrong on so many different levels. I'm not sure how to feel right now. I just got off the heart racing roller coaster ride that is Beast and I'm still quite dizzy. All I know for sure is that I could not stop reading. Lies, betrayal, love, hate, revenge. My emotions were all over the place. One minute I felt for Javi, the next I hated him. This book made me question my own sanity. I loved the writing style and I loved that this book sucked me in and wouldn't let go! So Dark. So twisted. Ahh!
redkitt's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I had so many emotions reading this book. This book was a dark read, but I LOVED it. Ashleigh wrote a book that was dark but still had all the feels. I still rooted for the HEA, but I was so conflicted about it! I just don't know how to explain it! I really was worried after all the darkness and how Javi was that I wouldn't be able to root for him or care for him like I do so many other characters. But I did. I was worried I wouldn't when I started it, but he sucked me in. Once I started this book, I had a hard time putting it down, just like all her other books. She writes words that I love to read and I can't put down until I know what happens! What a dark but great twist for a beauty and the beast story! Thank you Ashleigh for another wonderful book!
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
chatterbookbabe's review against another edition
3.0
This author is absolutely amazing. She writes one of my favorite series, the Boston Underworld series, so it kills me to give this book a 3. I just didn't buy the love between the characters, and if I can't do that, I can't love the book. I did love Javi's character, all of the bloody scenes, and his whole backstory. Many people loved this book, so please don't let my review deter you from reading it.